William "Bill" R Middleton Jr

William R. Middleton Jr.

On May 16, 2012 a unique old cowboy, William "Bill" R. Middleton Jr. mounted his saddle one last time to ride away from mortal life. As he rode back thru the gate he rejoined his father, William R. Middleton Sr., mother, Edith Elnora Bills Middleton, son, Stephen and daughter, Roxanne Middleton, brother, Donald Middleton, sisters, Peggy Obin and Maxine Bowdin, his father and mother-in-law, John L. and Naomi C. Creamer and many more friends and family. Bill leaves behind his loving wife and best friend, Luana Creamer Knudson Middleton, beloved sister, Dora (Jim) Ellis, Valley Springs, California; sons, William Gregory (Nodee), Roy and Kenneth (Teri) Middleton, Ogden; daughter, Christine Middleton, Anitoch, California; and son, Larry F. "Kooter" (Beverly) Knudson, West Haven. Also sons, Walter (Donna) Godwin, St. George; Wayne Godwin, Joshua, Texas; David Godwin, Apple Valley, California; and daughter, Nancy Hunter, St. George; 21 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and many friends and extended family he dearly loved.

Bill was born November 14, 1927 in Mt. Pleasant, UT and raised on a farm where he learned the value of hard work. At 16 years old he joined the Merchant Marines then the Marine Corp where he proudly and honorably served during WWII, the country that he loved. He was in the South Pacific at Iwo Jima, Okinawa, Luzon, and the Marianna Islands. Bill loved animals and owned many horses and dogs. He was one of the original organizers of the Challengers Riding Club. He was an avid horse trainer/racer and an early member of the Wasatch Slopes and Beehive Cutter/Chariot Racing Associations. He was a member of The Western Music Association, Cowboy Poets of Utah and Cowboy Poets of Idaho. He treasured the many friendships made thru his association with these folks. He was a member of the LDS Church, Plain City 6th Ward.

He was tough and often seemed hard. He was stubborn, ornery, cantankerous, bull headed and seldom if ever had an unexpressed opinion. He was bossy and intolerant and saw only one way to get there from here, his way. He lived by the rule, "Do it Right" "Do it Once". He was often quick to anger and not always soon to forgive and he honestly earned his nicknames ''Grump'' and ''Grumpy Old Fart''. But those who truly know him love and respect him. He was honest, loyal, generous and had a warm and caring heart. He had an impeccable work ethic and was dependable to a fault and you could always trust him at his word. He was a hero, a mentor, a good son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He had a fun sense of humor and loved to tease and play tricks. He was genuine and never tried to be someone he was not. He was passionate about the things he treasured most, his family and friends, his country and his God. His presence was huge. No doubt as he was welcomed at the gate there were numerous dogs and sizable herd of horses waiting for him to tend to.

Bill fought a long and courageous battle with the ravages of cancer and strokes. Our love and appreciation to Dr. Carl Gray and his staff who thru their tender care and support made the journey less difficult. We have been blessed to have you in our lives and we love you.

To those who know and love you best Bill, it''s tough to think of riding down life''s trail without you. You are sorely missed Grump, Grumpy Ol'' Fart, Cowboy Grandpa, Dad and dear friend. Ride easy my Sweetheart and until we meet again "Happy Trails".

A celebration of Bill''s life will be held on Monday, May 21, 2012 at 11 a.m. at the Liberty Ward, 4279 North 3300 East. Friends may visit family on Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist''s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd., and Monday from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Interment, Liberty Cemetery where military honors will be accorded.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the WMA Crisis Fund at PO Box 648, Coppell, TX 25019.